Suicide Prevention Month: Know the Signs, Start the Conversation, Know Where to Get Help

September is Suicide Prevention Month, an opportunity to increase awareness about suicide, recognize potential warning signs, and make sure people know where to find help.

Suicide is a serious public health issue that can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. It is also complex. There is rarely one single event or circumstance that leads someone to consider suicide, and warning signs or risk factors do not necessarily mean that a person will attempt suicide.

At Innovative Therapy Center, our team provides mental health counseling. During Suicide Prevention Month, we want to highlight an important part of mental health care: recognizing when someone may need support and knowing how to connect them with help.

Know the Warning Signs

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, possible warning signs of suicide may include:

• Talking about wanting to die

• Feeling empty, hopeless, trapped, or as though there is no reason to live

• Talking about being a burden to others

• Experiencing unbearable emotional or physical pain

• Withdrawing from family and friends

• Giving away important possessions or saying goodbye

• Taking dangerous or unusual risks

• Showing extreme mood changes

• Sleeping or eating significantly more or less

• Increasing alcohol or drug use

• Making a plan or researching ways to die

Warning signs may be especially concerning when they are new, have increased, or appear after a painful event, loss, or significant change.

If You Are Concerned, Ask Directly

It can feel uncomfortable to ask someone whether they are thinking about suicide. However, research has found that asking directly about suicidal thoughts does not cause or increase suicidal thoughts or behavior.

You can ask clearly:

“Are you thinking about suicide?”

If someone tells you they are considering suicide, take what they say seriously. Listen without judgment, stay with them when there is an immediate safety concern, and help connect them with appropriate crisis or professional support.

You do not need to personally solve the crisis.

Help Keep the Person Safe

If someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts, reducing access to potentially lethal means and connecting the person with crisis or mental health support can be important components of suicide prevention.

If there is immediate danger or a medical emergency, call 911.

For a mental health or suicide crisis, call or text 988.

Local Crisis Resources for Stark County

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or text 988Available 24 hours a day for people experiencing mental health related distress or for someone concerned about a loved one.

Stark County / Coleman Crisis Services Call 330-452-6000Available 24/7 for crisis support in Stark County.

Emergency Services Call 911 when someone is in immediate danger or experiencing a medical emergency.

Counseling and Mental Health Support

Support does not have to begin only when someone is experiencing a crisis.

Professional counseling can help individuals address concerns such as anxiety, depression, grief, stress, relationship or family challenges, emotional regulation, and other mental health concerns.

At Innovative Therapy Center in Uniontown, Ohio, mental health counseling is one part of our multidisciplinary approach to supporting individuals and families.

If you are looking for ongoing counseling support for yourself or a family member, contact our office to learn more about our counseling services.

Please Save and Share These Numbers

Mental health or suicide crisis: Call or text 988

Stark County Crisis Services: 330-452-6000

Immediate danger or medical emergency: 911

Talking about suicide can be difficult. Knowing the signs, asking directly when you are concerned, and helping someone connect with appropriate support are meaningful steps each of us can take.

Innovative Therapy Center does not provide emergency or crisis response services. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts, call or text 988. For immediate danger or a medical emergency, call 911.